Executive Director

Posted: June 8, 2022 by cece

Executive Director
Job Type	Full Time
Organization	River Bend Nature Center
Job Description	Executive Director (Full-Time, Regular, Exempt) Salary range: $65,000-80,000/year, Generous Paid holidays and PTO Elective Benefits: 50% of employee's health insurance premium, up to 3% match on Simple IRA Reports to: Board of Directors Qualifications / Education / Experience Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, business administration, environmental science/ education, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered. Five or more years of experience in one or more of the following: leadership and management; setting, communicating and executing an organizational vision; collaborating among Board, staff, partners, community; generating revenue through a variety of fundraising techniques (e.g. major gifts solicitation, annual and capital campaigns, special events, grants); developing budgets with financial analysis and management skills; human resources and project management. Class D Driver’s license. Must pass a background check. Means of self-transportation during the work day and evenings as needed. Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance. Nonprofit experience preferred. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Ability to Be a visible, approachable leader, Foster a healthy organizational culture by creating an environment characterized by high levels of engagement and high performance developed through teamwork and communication, Portray integrity, honesty, enthusiasm, sense of humor, resilience, and a strong work ethic, and Withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting, and computer use. Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and coordinate long-term projects, meet deadlines, working as a team with staff and volunteers. Proficiency with computer and online applications (Windows, Google, Office), financial management (Quickbooks) constituent and program management software, social media (Facebook, Instagram). Essential Duties Leadership Develop a vision and update and review strategic plan with the Board of Directors and stakeholders to guide the organization. Provide leadership, support, and direction to ensure mission, core values, goals and objectives, and strategic initiatives of River Bend Nature Center are put into practice. Engage others to strengthen activities by inviting various perspectives’ input on opportunities, challenges and implications, seeking innovation, finding common ground during conflict. Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors on all aspects of River Bend’s activities and internal and external issues that affect River Bend. Provide structure and support needed for Board of Directors and its committees to identify, address, and make decisions regarding critical organizational issues. Advise, recommend, and assist Board of Directors in formulating policies to govern the organization and implement policies and directives of the Board. Foster effective team work across the organization in all directions (e.g. Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, and community). Operational planning and management Develop and provide direction and guidance in development of plans, clear goals, objectives, action steps, and evaluation measures to implement strategic direction of the organization. Ensure that operations, programs and activities align with mission and strategic priorities, are focused on quality and are sustainable, and meet or exceed expectations of members, Board and funders. Oversee efficient and effective policies and procedures, systems, day-to-day operations and ensure essential resources (e.g. funding, staff, time, information, and equipment). Draft policies for Board approval and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate. Ensure that personnel, member/donor and volunteer files are securely stored and confidentiality is maintained. Establish and evaluate long-term goals and objectives for programs and plans using data from research, evidence-based best practice, and stakeholder input. Human resources planning and management Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery. Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices. Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations. Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission. Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization, that staff has well defined roles and responsibilities, and that appropriate training and opportunities for growth are provided. Foster trust, respect and a positive work culture by recognizing effort and success and developing a shared sense of purpose and direction. Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes ongoing performance monitoring, coaching, mentoring, accountability guidance, disciplinary process when necessary, and an annual performance review. Financial / legal planning and management Manage all fiscal aspects of the organization (prepare and manage operational budget, administer funds, monitor financial health, ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures, comply with taxation and withholding, report revenues and expenditures to Board, evaluate financial needs and goals). Ensure affairs are conducted in a manner consistent with legislation, current nonprofit requirements and industry trends and comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Develop, manage, and implement fundraising plans, strategies and campaigns (e.g. recruit and retain members, produce solicitation materials, research/write grants and funding proposals, hold special events) to secure adequate funding for operation of organization. Identify, cultivate, and steward prospective and current donors, manage fundraising records and correspondence, report on funded projects for individual and corporate giving, annual giving, planned giving and capital campaigns. Community relations/advocacy Communicate with stakeholders to gather input and keep them informed of activities and identify changes in the community served. Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization. Develop, maintain, and evaluate partnerships with regional organizations, diverse stakeholders, and key relationships central to River Bend’s success and plan strategies to promote programs and activities to targeted audiences. Act as an advocate and primary spokesperson for RBNC in a variety of public forums (e.g. written articles, public presentations, annual report) and represent organization to general public and business community articulating long-term goals and providing opportunities for being involved. Build community awareness and support for RBNC’s contribution to community needs and values. Manage all public relations issues in coordination with Board chair. Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile. Risk management Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (members/donors/users, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage Other duties as directed How to Apply To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Tuesday, May 31, 2022 to: Board of Directors c/o Breanna Wheeler River Bend Nature Center PO Box 186 Faribault, MN 55021 or email wheeler@rbnc.org River Bend Nature Center was established in 1978 in Faribault, Minnesota and is a non-profit nature center located on 743 acres which includes maple basswood forests, restored prairies, wetlands and the Straight River. The mission of River Bend Nature Center is to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. Through contact with River Bend Nature Center, we envision that people will develop understanding of natural systems and our connections within them and be inspired to conserve and be stewards of the natural world. River Bend Nature Center provides environmental education, conservation and recreational programs, events, and activities for area schools and the public. Visit year-round to explore ten miles of multi-use trails and an interpretive center open to the public with no entrance fees. Become a member, donate, or learn more at www.rbnc.org
Location	Faribault, MN
Expires	2022-05-31
Link	https://www.rbnc.org
MAEE Partner	River Bend Nature Center

Executive Director

Full Time

River Bend Nature Center

Location: Faribault, MN

Expires: 2022-05-31

Link: https://www.rbnc.org

MAEE Partner: River Bend Nature Center

Job Description:

Executive Director

(Full-Time, Regular, Exempt)

Salary range: $65,000-80,000/year, Generous Paid holidays and PTO

Elective Benefits: 50% of employee's health insurance premium, up to 3% match on Simple IRA

Reports to: Board of Directors

Qualifications / Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, business administration, environmental science/ education, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Five or more years of experience in one or more of the following: leadership and management; setting, communicating and executing an organizational vision; collaborating among Board, staff, partners, community; generating revenue through a variety of fundraising techniques (e.g. major gifts solicitation, annual and capital campaigns, special events, grants); developing budgets with financial analysis and management skills; human resources and project management.
Class D Driver’s license.
Must pass a background check.
Means of self-transportation during the work day and evenings as needed. Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance.
Nonprofit experience preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Ability to
- Be a visible, approachable leader,
- Foster a healthy organizational culture by creating an environment characterized by high levels of engagement and high performance developed through teamwork and communication,
- Portray integrity, honesty, enthusiasm, sense of humor, resilience, and a strong work ethic, and
- Withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting, and computer use.
Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and coordinate long-term projects, meet deadlines, working as a team with staff and volunteers.
Proficiency with computer and online applications (Windows, Google, Office), financial management (Quickbooks) constituent and program management software, social media (Facebook, Instagram).

Essential Duties

Leadership

Develop a vision and update and review strategic plan with the Board of Directors and stakeholders to guide the organization.
Provide leadership, support, and direction to ensure mission, core values, goals and objectives, and strategic initiatives of River Bend Nature Center are put into practice.
Engage others to strengthen activities by inviting various perspectives’ input on opportunities, challenges and implications, seeking innovation, finding common ground during conflict.
Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors on all aspects of River Bend’s activities and internal and external issues that affect River Bend.
Provide structure and support needed for Board of Directors and its committees to identify, address, and make decisions regarding critical organizational issues.
Advise, recommend, and assist Board of Directors in formulating policies to govern the organization and implement policies and directives of the Board.
Foster effective team work across the organization in all directions (e.g. Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, and community).

Operational planning and management

Develop and provide direction and guidance in development of plans, clear goals, objectives, action steps, and evaluation measures to implement strategic direction of the organization.
Ensure that operations, programs and activities align with mission and strategic priorities, are focused on quality and are sustainable, and meet or exceed expectations of members, Board and funders.
Oversee efficient and effective policies and procedures, systems, day-to-day operations and ensure essential resources (e.g. funding, staff, time, information, and equipment).
Draft policies for Board approval and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.
Ensure that personnel, member/donor and volunteer files are securely stored and confidentiality is maintained.
Establish and evaluate long-term goals and objectives for programs and plans using data from research, evidence-based best practice, and stakeholder input.

Human resources planning and management

Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices.
Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission.
Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization, that staff has well defined roles and responsibilities, and that appropriate training and opportunities for growth are provided.
Foster trust, respect and a positive work culture by recognizing effort and success and developing a shared sense of purpose and direction.
Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes ongoing performance monitoring, coaching, mentoring, accountability guidance, disciplinary process when necessary, and an annual performance review.

Financial / legal planning and management

Manage all fiscal aspects of the organization (prepare and manage operational budget, administer funds, monitor financial health, ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures, comply with taxation and withholding, report revenues and expenditures to Board, evaluate financial needs and goals).
Ensure affairs are conducted in a manner consistent with legislation, current nonprofit requirements and industry trends and comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Develop, manage, and implement fundraising plans, strategies and campaigns (e.g. recruit and retain members, produce solicitation materials, research/write grants and funding proposals, hold special events) to secure adequate funding for operation of organization.
Identify, cultivate, and steward prospective and current donors, manage fundraising records and correspondence, report on funded projects for individual and corporate giving, annual giving, planned giving and capital campaigns.

Community relations/advocacy

Communicate with stakeholders to gather input and keep them informed of activities and identify changes in the community served.
Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
Develop, maintain, and evaluate partnerships with regional organizations, diverse stakeholders, and key relationships central to River Bend’s success and plan strategies to promote programs and activities to targeted audiences.
Act as an advocate and primary spokesperson for RBNC in a variety of public forums (e.g. written articles, public presentations, annual report) and represent organization to general public and business community articulating long-term goals and providing opportunities for being involved.
Build community awareness and support for RBNC’s contribution to community needs and values.
Manage all public relations issues in coordination with Board chair.
Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile.

Risk management

Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (members/donors/users, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage

Other duties as directed

How to Apply

To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Tuesday, May 31, 2022 to:

Board of Directors c/o Breanna Wheeler

River Bend Nature Center

PO Box 186

Faribault, MN 55021

or email wheeler@rbnc.org

River Bend Nature Center was established in 1978 in Faribault, Minnesota and is a non-profit nature center located on 743 acres which includes maple basswood forests, restored prairies, wetlands and the Straight River. The mission of River Bend Nature Center is to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. Through contact with River Bend Nature Center, we envision that people will develop understanding of natural systems and our connections within them and be inspired to conserve and be stewards of the natural world. River Bend Nature Center provides environmental education, conservation and recreational programs, events, and activities for area schools and the public. Visit year-round to explore ten miles of multi-use trails and an interpretive center open to the public with no entrance fees. Become a member, donate, or learn more at www.rbnc.org